Sen. Jake Corman and state Attorney General Mike Fisher are one step closer to cracking down on Ecstasy crime in Pennsylvania.

Bill 1431, which increases penalties for those convicted of dealing Ecstasy, was passed unanimously in the state Senate last week and will be addressed in the House of Representatives next.

Fisher, who is the Republican gubernatorial candidate, approached Corman to develop the legislation after two Ecstasy-related incidents in State College last school year.

In November 2001, Penn State alumna Stephanie Yau died of an Ecstasy overdose, and in March 2002, four people were arrested as suspects for selling Ecstasy in State College.

Corman said he had been concerned with drug use in Pennsylvania in the past, and Fisher brought his attention to Ecstasy.

"The two incidents really resonated the whole issue of Ecstasy with me," Corman said.

Both of these incidents occurred in Centre County, but Corman does not think Penn State is the only place where Ecstasy use is a problem.

"I think college campuses are a large target for any kind of drug," he said. "I don't think University Park is on its own."

The new bill separates penalties for the conviction of Ecstasy dealing into three levels.

Those who sell more than 50 tablets or 15 grams will receive a maximum of five years in prison and a maximum fine of $15,000. Dealing more than 100 tablets or 30 grams will result in a maximum of 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $100,000. Dealing more than 1000 tablets or 300 grams will result in a maximum of 15 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.

Corman said more serious offenders deserve harsher sentences.

"There's obviously a difference between someone with a few tablets than with someone who is a dealer," Corman said. "If you're going to be a large trafficker of this drug, then you're going to pay the price."

Local authorities said the bill is necessary.

"Ecstasy continues to be a growing problem," State College Police Department Sgt. John Wilson said.

Wilson said he thinks it will be helpful if the law has more authority to penalize offenders.

However, he said he would be surprised if Bill 1431 had any dramatic effect on the level of Ecstasy use in the area. He said he doesn't think the bill will deter student use.

Some students think there needs to be stricter government enforcement of Ecstasy laws.

"It's smart, because I don't think anyone realizes the full effects of Ecstasy," Jamie Libeskind (sophomore-business) said. "If they increase the penalties, people will stop or slow down at least."

Some students think this legislation will help prevent more widespread use of the drug.

"I've never used it and I would support harsher penalties for those who deal it because it hurts more than it helps," Kevin Shah (freshman-bioengineering) said.

The positive response to Bill 1431 makes Corman optimistic about the fate of the bill in the House.

"I hope it will move relatively quickly and we'll have it on the governor's desk by the end of November," he said.